Volume 8 • 2021 • Issue 1

Although mental health and mental awareness may be increasing, it still is not always easy to perceive when someone close to you is experiencing symptoms of mental illness. Mental illness can be difficult to spot as it does not always look the way we think it will, and it isn’t as obvious in real life as it is in representations in television and film. Test your ability to recognize mental illness warning signs and check howprepared you are to take action with this quiz. WouldYouRecognize Mental Illness? 1. True or false: a change in appetite could be a sign of depression Answer: True, an increased or decreased appetite is often a sign of depression 2. Which of the following is not a sign of mental illness? a) Problems with concentration, memory or cognitive function b) Insomnia or other sleep disturbances c) A desire for a big life change such as a new choice of career or the wish to end a relationship d) Withdrawal from social activities or family life Answer: c). An interest in making a big change in lifestyle or goals in the absence of other symptoms is not a sign of mental illness 3. Which of the following are signs of an anxiety disorder: a) Excessive fears, worries and irrational phobias b) Intense discomfort in social situations c) Sudden overwhelming feelings of doom combined with a racing heart, shortness of breath or other physical symptoms d) Repetitive disturbing thoughts and/or a need to perform certain actions to feel “okay” e) All of the above • Healthy Workplace Series • The following article is adapted and reprinted with permission from theMorneau Shepell website www.workhealthlife.com TheMembers’Assistance Program(MAP)issponsored byCDSPIandprovides confidentialshort-term counsellingsupport, professionalguidance,resources andreferralsfordentists,dental officestaffandimmediatefamily members.MAPservicesare complimentaryandaccessible 24/7/365. ContactMAPat 1.844.578.4040orvisittheir websiteat workhealthlife.com. MAPisoperatedbyShepell, thelargestCanadian-based EmployeeandFamilyAssistance providerinthecountry. Availableservicesvaryby region.UseofMAPservicesis completelyconfidentialwithin thelimitsofthelaw. S upporting Y our P ractice 36 | 2021 | Issue 1